Circulation Pumps for HVAC, Process & Chemical Loops
Stable, efficient recirculation for thermal loops, filtration side‑streams and chemical baths. We specify end‑suction & inline ECM for water/glycol service, mag‑drive sealless for corrosives/solvents, sanitary centrifugal for CIP/food, and gear pumps where oil‑based lubes need constant flow. Brands include Grundfos, Griswold, Goulds, Iwaki, Finish Thompson, and Roper/Blackmer for lube‑oil duty.
Best‑Fit Pumps for Recirculation Loops
| Loop / Fluid | Best Pump Type | Recommended Brands | Why It’s Best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water/glycol HVAC & process cooling | Inline ECM or end‑suction with VFD | Grundfos (MAGNA/TPE, end‑suction), Griswold | High efficiency, quiet, wide turndown; easy balancing and BMS control |
| Chemical bath / etch / plating circulation | Mag‑drive sealless centrifugal (PP/PVDF/ETFE) | Iwaki MX/MD, Finish Thompson DB/UC | Leak‑free; corrosion‑resistant wet ends; ideal for filters/side‑streams |
| Solvent or VOC recirculation | Mag‑drive sealless centrifugal (SS/ETFE) | Finish Thompson, Iwaki | No mechanical seal → fewer emissions; reliable at steady head |
| Sanitary CIP/utility circulation | Sanitary centrifugal | Grundfos sanitary, Finish Thompson | Hygienic finishes, drainable housings, tri‑clamp connections |
| Lube‑oil system circulation | External gear pump | Roper, Blackmer | Constant flow vs. speed; excellent for viscosity and back‑pressure |
| Side‑stream filtration loops | Mag‑drive or end‑suction centrifugal | Iwaki / Finish Thompson, Grundfos / Griswold | Steady, non‑pulsing flow for filters, coalescers and media beds |
Recommended Circulation Pumps (Placeholders)
Tip Share fluid, temperature, viscosity, desired GPM/head, materials constraints, and control strategy (constant ΔP/ΔT, BMS, VFD). We’ll return a right‑sized, efficient package.
How We Engineer Circulation Loops
- Hydraulics—size to system losses at design GPM; apply VFD/ECM turndown for part‑load.
- Compatibility—PP/PVDF/ETFE/316SS wet ends for chemicals; elastomers by SDS & temp.
- Reliability—duty/standby for critical loops; cartridge seals or sealless where leaks are unacceptable.
- Controls—ΔP/ΔT logic, 4–20 mA/BMS integration, soft‑starts, and alarm interlocks.
- Serviceability—back‑pull‑out for end‑suction; modular ECM heads; top‑pull mag‑drives where space is tight.
Common Circulation Uses
- Process cooling & thermal control
- Chemical bath recirculation
- Filtration side‑streams
- CIP/utility water loops
- Lube‑oil systems
- Coil/plate HX distribution
- Electronics/plating tanks
- Solvent recirculation (closed)
- Sanitary utility loops
- Buffer/cleaning solution recirculation
Stable Flow, Lower kWh
Share fluid, GPM/head, temperature window, materials, and controls. We’ll quote the most efficient, low‑maintenance circulation package for your loop.
Circulation FAQs
When should I use mag‑drive instead of a sealed pump?
Use mag‑drive for corrosives, solvents, or where emissions/leaks are unacceptable. For clean water/glycol, sealed end‑suction or inline ECM is typically more economical and efficient.
How do I size head for a closed loop?
Head equals friction and component losses at design GPM (elevation cancels). We use pipe/coil/valve data and add control margin for part‑load operation.
Are gear pumps good for circulation?
Yes—for lube‑oil circuits. They deliver constant flow at viscosity and pressure. For water/chemicals, centrifugals or mag‑drives are typically a better fit.